The world's midwives represented at the ICM's Executive Committee.

It was a great pleasure that every single member of the Executive Committee was able to be present at this important meeting, including all Regional Representatives, Board of Management members and the Vice-President and Immediate Past President. Secretary General Petra ten Hoope-Bender also attended, as did Nester Moyo and Elizabeth Duff from ICM headquarters staff. In addition was welcomed Cecilia, daughter of Alicia Cillo, who ably assisted in Spanish-English translation. The midwives present came from their own countries of Argentina, Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, Ghana, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, Tanzania, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Zimbabwe--but they represented the midwives of the world.

Regional and country reports

All representatives had endeavoured to contact other member associations within their region for an update on developments in their country, but responses were variable. In some countries conditions were difficult, midwives under pressure and communication was disrupted.

Europe: Rising rates of Caesarean section (CS) deliveries were reported from all areas. Midwives are deeply concerned, but in many areas not empowered to take action. Karlene Davis noted that a national audit of CS practice took place across England, Wales and N. Ireland about two years ago. Guidelines based on this information are awaited.

The post of 'family health nurse' is popular in some countries, reported Lillian Bondo who represents the Nordic nations, and these nurses are taking over some midwifery functions.

Ruth Brauen described a number of issues in the Francophone countries. She has met with a collective association of French midwives, which includes the current ICM member (ONSSF), and altogether represents 16,000 midwives. Here too, midwifery services are under pressure and several maternity units are now only used for postnatal care.

Africa: Kathlyn Ababio from Ghana spoke of her work in west Africa. The Ghana Registered Midwives Association celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. A new government in Ghana has made safe motherhood and reduction of maternal mortality a priority; violence against women is also recognised as an area where midwives' contribution is valuable. However because of shortages of midwives, community health nurses are being involved in much of this work. Kathlyn has arranged to meet with the maternal and child health leaders at the West Africa College of...